Muscovy duck
(Cairina moschata)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Cairina moschata is native to Central and South America. The Muscovy duck was domesticated and bred for its meat, feathers, and eggs. Illegally released for ornamental purposes or as pets, feral C. moschata populations now occur in high densities across Florida.
Life Cycle
These ducks may appear to look like small geese due to their long necks and large, heavy-bodies. The plumage of wild C. moschata are primarily black with white patches on the wings. Domesticated and feral C. moschata plumage is highly variable. Both wild and domesticated have red, warty growths on their faces. Domesticated and feral Muscovy ducks are found in urban and suburban ponds and parks. Nests are built in cavities of mature trees approximately 10-65 ft (3-20 m) above the ground. Occasionally, C. moschata will nest in large nest boxes or on the ground in heavily vegetated areas near water. Females will lay 8-15 eggs in a clutch with an incubation period of 30-31 days. Nest sites, if successful, will be used year after year.
Distribution
Feral populations of C. moschata exist along the Gulf Coast states and Florida.
Control Efforts
In Texas, where wild C. moschata occur, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Where feral populations occur, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows for the control including management individual ducks, their nests, and eggs (50 CFR 21.54). Federal regulations allow control by landowners, wildlife management agencies, and tenants, agents, or employees without federal or state permits. Birds may be humanely euthanized, but it is illegal to capture the birds and release them elsewhere. As Muscovy ducks can compete with native species, damage property, and transmit diseases, it is illegal to release C. moschata.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/birds/waterfowl/muscovy-duck/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Muscovy_Duck/lifehistory
Cairina moschata is native to Central and South America. The Muscovy duck was domesticated and bred for its meat, feathers, and eggs. Illegally released for ornamental purposes or as pets, feral C. moschata populations now occur in high densities across Florida.
Life Cycle
These ducks may appear to look like small geese due to their long necks and large, heavy-bodies. The plumage of wild C. moschata are primarily black with white patches on the wings. Domesticated and feral C. moschata plumage is highly variable. Both wild and domesticated have red, warty growths on their faces. Domesticated and feral Muscovy ducks are found in urban and suburban ponds and parks. Nests are built in cavities of mature trees approximately 10-65 ft (3-20 m) above the ground. Occasionally, C. moschata will nest in large nest boxes or on the ground in heavily vegetated areas near water. Females will lay 8-15 eggs in a clutch with an incubation period of 30-31 days. Nest sites, if successful, will be used year after year.
Distribution
Feral populations of C. moschata exist along the Gulf Coast states and Florida.
Control Efforts
In Texas, where wild C. moschata occur, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Where feral populations occur, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows for the control including management individual ducks, their nests, and eggs (50 CFR 21.54). Federal regulations allow control by landowners, wildlife management agencies, and tenants, agents, or employees without federal or state permits. Birds may be humanely euthanized, but it is illegal to capture the birds and release them elsewhere. As Muscovy ducks can compete with native species, damage property, and transmit diseases, it is illegal to release C. moschata.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/birds/waterfowl/muscovy-duck/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Muscovy_Duck/lifehistory
Resources
- Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
- Cairina moschata Fact Sheet - Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission
- Florida's Introduced Birds - University of Florida
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Aves |
| Order: Anseriformes |
| Family: Anatidae |
| Genus: Cairina |
| Cairina moschata |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.